96 Mr. Faraday on new Compounds [Feb. 



New Carburet of Hydrogen. 



Of the various other products from the condensed Hquor, the 

 next most definite to the bi-carburet of hydrogen appears to be 

 that which is most volatile. If a portion of the original liquid 

 be warmed by the hand, or otherwise, and the vapour which 

 passes oft' be passed through a tube at 0°, very little uncon- 

 densed vapour will go on to the mercurial trough ; but there will 

 be found after a time a portion of fluid in the tube, distinguished 

 by the following properties. Though a liquid at 0°, it upon 

 slight elevation of temperature begins to boil, and before it has 

 attained 32°, is all resolved into vapour or gas, which may be 

 received and preserved over mercury. 



This gas is very combustible, and burns with a brilliant flame. 

 The specific gravity of the portion I obtained was between 27 

 and 28, hydrogen being 1 : for 39 cubic inches introduced into 

 an exhausted glass globe were found to increase its weight 22*4 

 grains at 60° F. bar. 29'94. Hence 100 cubic inches weigh 

 nearly 57"44 grains. 



When cooled to 0° it condensed again, and inclosed in this 

 state in a tube of known capacity, and hermetically sealed up, 

 the bulk of a given weight of the substance at common tempe- 

 ratures was ascertained. Ti)is compared with water gave the 

 specific gravity of the liquid as 0'627 at 54°. It is therefore 

 among solids or liquids the lightest body known. 



This gas or vapour when agitated with water is absorbed in 

 small quantities. Alcohol dissolves it in large quantity ; and a 

 solution is obtained, which, upon the addition of water, efler- 

 vesces, and a considerable quantity of the gas is liberated. The 

 alcoholic solution has a peculiar taste, and is neutral to test 

 papers. 



Olive dil dissolves about six volumes of the gas. 



Solution of alkali does not aft'ect it ; nor does muriatic acid. 



Sulphuric acid condenses the gas in very large quantity ; one 

 volume of the acid condensing above 100 volumes of the vapour. 

 Sometimes the condensation is perfect, at other times a small 

 quantity of residual gas is left, which burns with a pale blue 

 flame, and seems to be a product of too rapid action. Great 

 heat is produced during the action ; no sulphurous acid is 

 formed ; the acid is much blackened, has a peculiar odour, and 

 upon dilution generally becomes turbid, but no gas is evolved. 

 A permanent compound of the acid with carbon and hydrogen 

 is produced, and enters as before mentioned into combination 

 with bases. 



A mixture of two volumes of this vapour with 14 volumes of 

 pure oxygen was made, and a portion detonated in an eudio- 

 meter tube. 8*8 volumes of the mixture diminished by the 

 spark to o*7 volumes, and these by solution of potash to 1*4 



